The holidays had this enchanting spell on people. On humans, it was most interesting. It put so many in good moods all around. It made even the sourest turn sweet. Every bit was merry. More so than the decorations, that hung all throughout the manor. To welcome the holiday almost here. Ciel ordered Sebastian to make the manor as 'merry' as possible. One might think, the young master was actually becoming excited. Because, to take out and redecorate for such an occasion was well..not something he'd expect. The Lady Harmony surely had him enthralled, she had drawn a picture, a rather festive one of ideas, no doubt from her peers of what should be expected for the holiday.
She even added somethings from books she had spread out in the library, the young lady was most filled with spirit than anyone. She was expecting a great deal, so Ciel delivered. He had Sebastian go out and pick a tree, which of course Harmony wished to accompany. Actually she wanted everyone to go. Which Ciel found ridiculous, but went.
Harmony used Dottie to pull her in sort of a sled. Which she choose to ride the sheep instead. Ciel made sure she was bundled up well, like a snugged lamb. Finnian and Snake stood by her side, they enjoyed catching snowflakes with their tongues. Mey-Rin joined them along with Tanaka. It was a delightful scene, but became ear curding when they started to sing carols. Harmony not even getting words right, which was excusable, the others not really. They knew the words and their scratchy singing just ruined it. That moment Sebastian wished to have heightened senses. But, he did and there was nothing that could be done about it.
The tree was eventually cut, brought back, and decorated. Something Harmony danced at the idea of, with his help she was able to put the top on the tree. Little by little wrapped gifts appeared under it, Harmony eyes glowed like the wrapped paper. Like any child she searched for her own. Of course she was not allowed to open any, as Ciel instructed, as did her sister. She would have to wait, in the meantime she spent her time trying to learn more songs and drawing. Playing with Snake and Finnian when free, which was all the time.
It made doing work around the manor a lot easier for Sebastian so there was no objections. The last few days Harmony woke expecting the day to be here, to be disappointed it wasn't. So she just busied herself with doing things. Spending drawing in Ciel's office to his annoyance. Her colors and papers spread out on the floor before his desk, only to get up and leave to help Sebastian with tea. Something Ciel never was able to swallow.
Yes, the manor was in high spirits. Everyone in a wonderful mood, even May. To his surprise still, not a single bit of detest came from words or lips. Maybe a twinkle in her eyes, or it could have been the lighting. She was well...charming.
Ciel even noticed and found it indifferent. But, didn't mind. It gave him peace and quiet. Sebastian assumed it was sort of ploy, to see none. On the surface of course. She rose with out any sort of attitude or remark when he came with her tea. Even when she greeted him well, when lessons came there was no stubbornness. She did them as instructed. Took to her library only for a few minutes to join her sister in moments of enjoyment to be shared. Often he'd find them in one of the room with the fire going. Harmony playing with her toys while her sister sat reading.
Just the two of them.
What was her game? Was the question in his mind about May's behavior. It nipped at him. Surely there was some reason, why this sudden change. It had to be holidays. That made sense, for now.
In the meantime, he needed to finish folding the fresh linen. Guest would arriving soon. Having already ironed out every wrinkle, the sheets were as white if not whiter than the snow. Not a stain in sight nor a wrinkle to found. Using his hand gently runs it across flatly. Stopping at a single corner. Picks it up lightly and folds it to the other side. He does the same gesture at least three more times. Ending a nice and neatly folded sheet. He sets it down on top of the rest.
Just as he reaches for a another, the bell summoning him jingles. "I will never get this done," he sighs walking out.
No sign of Sebastian, so Harmony pulls to summon him again. And again. And again and agai-"Yes, lady Harmony?" Sebastian appears over her, with a smile and twitching brow.
She cast him a smile. "Mr. Sebastian, you came!"
Of course he did, it was his job after all. "Yes. So I did. Did you need something from me, lady Harmony?"
Her head tilts a bit for the reason why. Trying his patience. "It was for...something..I can't really...hmmm.."
Human children always were difficult to figure out and rather...it didn't matter. Seconds went by, that turned into minutes and still she said nothing. Time was ticking away and there was much that still needed to be done. If that was much, the doorbell rang. Someone was waiting.
"Lady Harmony, if you don't mind, I must go and answer." He informs her standing straight about to walk away, she throws herself on him grabbing him leg.
"Wait! Not yet!"
The bell rings again, Ciel would not be happy that it had not been answer and if it rung again. With an anchor weighing him, there was no other choice nor option. In his mind, sighing heavily mumbling makes his way to the door.
The door bell was about to be rung again, when the door opens and you greet them. "Oh, hello."
The gentleman tips his hat off to you. "Hello Miss, good afternoon."
"Yes, good afternoon, welcome to the Phantomhive residence. Is there something I can help you with?"
Sebastian stopped dead at the top of the stairs, his eyes widen seeing you there at the door talking to whomever it was. Actually, letting them in quite a few. Men carrying in few wrapped gifts. Heading towards the east parlour room, which you directed them to.
"More presents!" Harmony gasp elated squeezing Sebastian's hand, jumping up and down, pointing. "Look!"
He lowers her finger. "It is not polite to point. Though, you do bring up a point of interest, those gifts, I am not sure whom they are from."
"Auntie Francis? Cousin Lizzie?"
"I highly doubt that," he observers closer, noticing names belonging to Harmony, May, and Ciel. Though it seem more presents were for his master's cousin. The scent he smelt seemed vaguely familiar, yet he couldn't place it. "your family said they would be bringing their gifts."
"Then, my veerji?"
His eyes fall questionably from what she said. "Excuse me?"
She repeats. "My veerji, my brother, Soma."
Sebastian nearly chocked with shock. He kept it at bay. "Your veerji? When did Prince Soma insist you call him this?"
Harmony shrugs her shoulders. "I can't remember, he said I should, for...for the near future? Yeah, the near future."
It was hard for the demon not to sigh, Prince Soma, and his infatuated puppy love. Oh, it was rather a nip of annoyance. Not his place to say, but at times he wished he could. Now, the young man was wrapping Harmony into his plan. Using the youngest as way to into the heart of May. What a simplistic play. The near future, the thought of such an absurd idea was well...absurd.
"They're done." Harmony's voice cut through his thoughts. Looking he finds her words true. The gentlemen who came were now leaving, May still at the door kindly and politely sending them off.
He could hear her thanking each one and wishing them each a grateful holiday. Her smile she had on as genuine as her words, even the small laughter that escaped through her lips. Which affected one of the delivery men, a young lad at least fifteen. Shaggy brown hair and freckled blue eyes that glowed like his cheeks from May's laughter. He nearly tucked his head in like a turtle, when she looked his way. His cheeks redden when touched his shoulders and darkened when she told him to stay and left for a brief minute coming back, placed something in his hands. It was money, no doubt. How much it didn't matter to Sebastian, but from the look on the boy's face it was more than he had seen.
She even gave him a scarf, wrapping it around nicely. Like a maternal figure, which clearly the boy hadn't experienced. Touched, he seem itching to hug her like one. But, didn't, instead was called back into the cold. May stood at the door waving and seeing them off. Letting a bit of chill in, which seem to have little effect on her. Well, she was wearing warm clothing. Still, it should have some. It didn't surprise the demon.
Shutting the door, dust yourself off from the fallen snow upon your dark wool skirt. Smiling to yourself, humming a tune. What a kind thing and rather unexpected surprise from...well who knows. It was just a kind gesture, you had to be sure to send whoever it was a thank you promptly. Now, what was it you were doing...oh yes. Turning around your smile remaining looking at Sebastian and Harmony.
"I hope you did not mind," you tell him walking to the stairs stopping at the bottom. "me answering the door, it would seem," you eyes look to Harmony. She smiles cheekily. "you were held up."
"No. Not at all." He responds in the same kind tone you had.
Watching your smile spread a bit more. Pleased to know. "Wonderful, I won't inform my cousin. Now, if you excuse me." Bowing your head a bit take your leave. Sebastian's eyes follow you closely.
Trying to figure this change out. To be tugged by Harmony, taking his attention away, and to her. "Yes, lady Harmony?"
"I remembered now! I did!"
Oh, that's right the reason she summoned him. "And what is that you remembered?"
It was nice, walking the halls as the snow fell outside. The quietness gave you clarity, this season always did. Each window you passed ran a memory in your mind. Both of the past and very past. With your family and friends back...in your actual time and with Madam Red. In both memories there was always smiles and laughter, music and merriment. Though in one, there as only dancing. That was with Madam Red, it was a dance invited for Harmony, when she was just an infant. The Snowflake dance. It was as elegant and gentle as one itself. It was the easiest way to get her to sleep, a different way to rock her in your arms. She was so small, you could still remember holding her against your bosom.
Softly whispering tender words of love and music. Humming warmly that if you could cry you'd shed a tear from it. How it went, it started first with taking the smallest of steps in a circle. Stepping left then right, in a rocking motion at first. Then a short pause, lifting up the cradled arms bringing them down to your chest. Close to your heart, then two smooth spins, followed by...standing before one of the windows. Your eyes watch the snowflakes dance falling down. When they reached the ground, you start again and find a few more. Counting in your mind.
Counting...how long has it been? How many years? How many seconds? How many minutes? Tucking a some hair behind your ear, become lost in the falling snow. You never understood how something so small and fragile could be so mesmerizing and calming. Harmony's laughter from time before filled the silence around you. She was playing in the snow, chasing after a chicken, Madam Red outside with her cheering her on. You where in the kitchen making something warm and delicious, if Harmony wasn't chasing a chicken, it was Madam Red and...her butler. Actually, Harmony was the one who pulled him to play with her. He often stood aside nervously watching. There was nothing she wouldn't drag him to do. His timid nature sometimes made your nervous, while also made you feel for him, Harmony could be rather dangerous when excited. So you had him inside with you at times, which he was grateful for.
You wondered, after Madam Red's death whatever happened to him? A rather odd character, with those odd eyes. Odd eyes you've seen vaguely before.
Harmony's laughter still played, soon Madam Red's voice filled the silence. With a story or pleasurable comment. Her mighty 'wisdom' she'd call it. Her flare for dramatics that was rather forward, compared to you. Harmony took up some of it, to the woman's pride. Though she wish you would have as well. But, you didn't. To her broken-heart. The woman always coming unannounced a few times to just surprise you and Harmony. To check up on you both, the day, the very first day you meet her. There was something in her eyes that burned, burned with what...you weren't sure. Even now. But, you did know there love. Love so deep, she often said and compared with your own eyes.
A gift and a curse.
The two of you shared, that bonded the two of you. How it did? It was rather clear.
Chin up, eyes wide, a lady must always smile. Always show happiness.
Her words rang the loudest, those words at least. It was something drilled into you and Harmony, especially Harmony. But, for some reason it stuck with you, especially around the holidays. Especially when you thought of...life long ago. Of times when it was most bleak and you needed to make sure Harmony never cried. Whatever made her smile, whatever her happiness. It was all that mattered.
My sister, her happiness was all that mattered to me.
Madam Red's words again echo. Clenching your hand over your chest, grip it with your other to stop it from trembling. To stop your whole body from trembling. It was hard, but you kept it down. It as the holidays after all, it was a time for warmth and joy. A time for...others to be together and family. It was time enjoy. Rising your eyes with a smile you could gather, continue your walk.
Walking past Ciel's office, the young earl though the slit opening in his door saw his cousin taking a stroll. Why, he didn't bother to ask. Letting her be, though a part of him wanted to call her in, decided against it. Instead, turned his attention to three unopened letters laid on his desk. Each one familiar, though one more important than the other. Picking that one up first, opens it, his eye reading what was written merely skimming over it. Stopping quickly, his eye re-read it again. Just to make sure, yes, it was as he read.
So many questions ran through his mind, while his own anger growled. Surely, he could ignore this, it wasn't really an order or was it? Setting the letter down, pinching his brow, the door to his office opens.
"Ciel?"
He hears you. You popped your head in to check on him. "Yes?" He responds.
"I just thought-are you alright?" You asked noticing his rather slouched sitting. He didn't say anything. So you ask again. "Are you okay?"
Lifting his eye peering through his hand at you. "Yes. I'm fine. What do you want?"
Wanting to press the matter leave it alone. "It was nothing, I just wanted to check up on you, that's all. If you or anyone needs me, I will be in my library."
He said nothing and let you leave. Listening to your footsteps grow fainter, his eye slides back down to the letter from, Her Majesty.
